Truck Accidents Caused by Poor Maintenance

Truck accidentsinvolving a commercial truck and passenger vehicle can lead to life-alteringconsequences. Because semi-trucks and18-wheelers can weigh in excess of 80 tons, while the average car or pickuptruck weighs 3 tons, a truck accident can result in serious injuries and evendeath.

If you, or aloved one, have been affected by a trucking accident caused by poor vehicle maintenance,it is in your best interest to hire a qualified truck accident lawyer toprotect your legal rights.

Trucking Regulations

Due to theseriousness of trucking accidents, there are many trucking regulations thathave been put in place to make the roads safer. Truck accidents are caused by anumber of factors, such as speed, negligence, and driver fatigue. Poor truck maintenance is also responsiblefor many trucking accidents.

It is illegalfor a truck driver to operate a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or other large truck beforeinspecting the vehicle to ensure it is properly maintained. The following mustbe inspected before the truck is ready for the road:

• Tires
• Horn
• Windshieldwipers
• Brakes(including the service and parking brake)
• Mirrors(including the rear-view and side-view mirrors
• Lightsand reflectors
• Couplingdevices

It isespecially important that truck tires be maintained properly. Truck tires are much larger and heavierthan passenger vehicle tires, and can cause serious truck accidents when blown.If the truck tire does not look safe, it should be changed immediately.

Truck Accident CargoHazards

Commercialvehicles carrying flammable or hazardous materials can also cause severeinjuries in the event of a truck accident. Vehicles with this type of cargomust be equipped with the correct type of fire extinguisher. The fireextinguisher must be clearly marked and accessible. Trucks that are carryinghazardous materials should not carry flares, oil lanterns, or anything elsethat can lead to a fire.

In order to avoida truck accident on the side of the road, truck drivers must carry warningdevices, such as reflective triangles or red flags when pulled over. Failure to warn other vehicles of thestopped truck constitutes negligence on the truck driver’s part.

An experienced personal injury lawyer who specializesin truck accidents can carefully review your case to determine whether thetrucking company or driver is responsible for the poor maintenance that led tothe truck accident. After this determination has been made, you may file alawsuit to receive compensation for your personal injury or loved one’swrongful death.